Former teammate on Winston allegations: 'Just not true'

The Bucs quarterback is accused of groping an Uber driver, but Ronald Darby says he was in the car at the time and it didn't happen.

Author:
USA Today , WTSP

Published:
3:26 PM EST November 19, 2017

Updated:
3:26 PM EST November 19, 2017

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby says he was in the Uber with Jameis Winston nearly two years ago and that accusations Winston groped the driver “are just not true.”

Winston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback, is under investigation by the NFL for allegedly grabbing the female driver between her legs on March 13, 2016, after she picked him up in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"I felt the need to come forward and clarify some inaccurate accounts of the evening of March 13, 2016 when myself, a friend and Jameis Winston took an Uber ride in Arizona," Darby said. "There were three of us in the car, not just one as has been reported. Myself and Jameis were in the backseat. I am confident that nothing inappropriate in nature happened in the car that evening and Jameis did not have any physical contact with the Uber driver. The accusations are just not true."

"The accusation is false, and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately. At the time of the alleged incident, I denied the allegations to Uber, yet they still decided to suspend my account.

"While I am certain that I did not make any inappropriate contact, I don’t want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way."

According to ESPN, Darby also defended Winston in 2012, when Winston was accused of sexually assaulting FSU student Erica Kinsman. Darby, along with FSU defensive end Chris Casher, said they were in the apartment and saw Winston and Kinsman having consensual sex. Winston never faced criminal charges.